Coetzee has missed the entire competition so far due to a knee injury sustained during the EPCR Challenge Cup, but he is now fully fit and ready to make an impact.

The Cheetahs have struggled with depth at centre this season, with Munier Hartzenberg sidelined due to injury. As a result, Ali Mgijima has been their only fit specialist midfielder throughout the campaign.

The team has had to adapt, fielding Raegan Oranje in the number 13 jersey – although he is primarily a scrumhalf and winger – while the versatile Marco Jansen van Vuren has also filled in, despite being more naturally a halfback.

Coetzee’s return comes at a crucial stage of the competition and is a welcome boost for the Bloemfontein-based outfit.

In further good news, James Verity-Amm is also in line for a return after spending more than a year on the sidelines, while Namibian international flyhalf Tiaan Swanepoel is fit and ready to make his debut for the Cheetahs.

Marco Janse van Vuren. Photo: Morgan Piek

Despite a few personnel changes, the Cheetahs are expected to maintain continuity in their team heading into this week’s game as they build toward the match against the Suzuki Griquas next, and possible semi-final against the team from Kimberley a week later.

Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn told OFM Sport that Coetzee’s return is a big boost for his team, and he looks forward to seeing the 30-year-old back in action.

“We've missed him a lot. In last year's Toyota Challenge, we saw what Skolie is capable of, especially in the match against Emerging Ireland,” said Fourie.

Carel-Jan Coetzee in action against Emerging Ireland. Photo: Morgan Piek

“For me, it’s great to have Skolie back. I’ve always loved an inside centre who’s physical, runs hard, and doesn’t make many mistakes. He doesn’t need to be flashy – just solid, like an extra loose forward on the park. So it’s good to have him back.”

Saturday’s game between the Cheetahs and Border Bulldogs at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein is set to kick off at 15:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg